The Victorian government has unveiled the first drought support package aimed at curbing the high rates of mental health issues and financial stress in drought-stricken farming communities.
Premier Daniel Andrews, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford and Water Minister Lisa Neville announced the new support measures at a community barbecue in Birchip on Sunday.
The new measures aim to support farming families experiencing increased mental and financial stress after two consecutive seasons in a row of extreme weather have resulted in failed crops.
Under the $10 million package, rural financial counsellors will receive $270,000, while another $300,000 is earmarked to assist families with school uniforms, shoes and other school items.
Another $5.8 million will go towards funding camps, sports and other excursions for children of families in financial strife, while $1.5 million will be dedicated to a Drought Extension Program to help farmers make farm-related decisions.
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Mr Andrews said struggling families need not "go it alone".
"These new measures will ensure our farmers have access to the best information so they can make the best decisions for their families," he said.
The announcement comes as Mr Andrews, Ms Pulford and Ms Neville begin travelling across Victoria's most drought-affected communities in a bid to discuss problems with farmers.
The tour of Victoria's northwest started on Sunday in Donald, followed by Birchip.
Charlton and Wedderburn are also on the list.
The second part of the drought assistance package will be announced on Monday.
Opposition agriculture and water spokesman Peter Walsh says the package doesn't go far enough.
"This is a first step, but does not include any business support for struggling farmers and small businesses affected by drought, and some of the measures are simply re-announced money," he said in a statement.
"In previous drought, farmers were offered discounts on their municipal rates and fixed water charges and it's disappointing the Andrews Labor government has not included any form of rate relief in its package".
